No matter which room you are in, you can hear the drip of water from your kitchen sink. It keeps you awake during the night, and never takes a break, even during the day. – This is not the plot of a horror movie, although it could be if the movie targeted homeowners tired of paying plumbing bills! When your kitchen sink is clogged and won’t drain, make sure you first turn off the working sink before unclogging a sink that’s stuck.
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Is it time to replace your kitchen sink?
The drip and leak are all signs of an old kitchen sink that is ready for retirement. That does not mean that a one-year-old kitchen sink showing signs of water leakage at the seams is at the brink of retirement. We are talking about sinks that have attracted tens of repair sessions in the last one year, incurred plumbing expenses, and eaten away at your free-time without showing any signs of recuperation.
When your kitchen sink begins to show visible signs of wear and tear, it is time to consider replacing it. These physical damage signs can include prominent cracks, moisture build-up on the outer side of the sink, and chipping on the interior and exterior of the sink. These signs are more prominent in porcelain and ceramic kitchen sinks, but that does not mean that stainless steel, granite, or marble sinks do not accumulate similar signs of damage across the years of use.
How to dismount and mount a drop-in kitchen sink?
Believe it or not, kitchen sinks can cost you hundreds of dollars in terms of repair. When you have called the plumber time, and again in the last couple of months, it is a telltale sign that your kitchen sink is crying for replacement. The style, make, and model of the sink are irrelevant when it’s genuinely time to replace the same.
If you ask any plumber or contractor, they will second the fact that undermount sinks are tricky to replace. Most sink replacement guides on the web do not recommend DIY replacement of undermount sinks irrespective of their material and design.
On the other hand, top-mount or drop-in sinks are much easier to replace as compared to the undermount ones. Self-rimming sinks are more tolerant towards hefty weight. You can confidently pile on the dirty dishes, pots, and pans without worrying about the sink yielding from the countertop.
Step 1: Choose the drop-in sink
Drop-in sinks do not create a conflict in the kitchen theme. You can couple a stainless-steel drop-in sink with a granite or composite quartz countertop confidently. Besides, you can find top-mount versions of every variety of sink (material and design) at the reputed stores. Check out Kraus drop in sink styles to learn about the different design possibilities for your kitchen counter. Take accurate measurement of your current sink to find out which drop-in kitchen sink can replace it.
To replace a drop-in sink, all you have to do is unscrew the clips that fasten the old sink to the countertop and remove them. Before removing the sink, ensure that you have shut off the water supply, disconnected the water lines, and unplugged the disposal.
Step 2: Remove the old kitchen sink
Once you remove the old drop-in sink, you need to clean the edges of the countertop. Scrape off the old caulk and putty. Use a putty knife if necessary and gently scrub the area with a standard strength household surface cleaner.
Next, install the faucet(s) to the new sink. Contrary to popular belief, installing faucets to the sink before its installation on the countertop is the easiest way to go about the task. Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the faucet installation. Each self-rimming sink typically comes with a rubber seal for the installation of the faucet base plate.
Step 3: Mount the new self-rimming sink
The placement of the new sink will require you to do the following –
- Turn the sink upside-down and place the silicone caulk on the outer edge of the upturned sink.
- Flip the sink complete with the attached faucet. Be careful not to disturb the caulk during this step.
- Slowly drop the sink into the pre-cut hole on the countertop, such that the caulk on the outer edge comes in complete contact with the edge of the cutout.
- Attach the sink against the countertop firmly with the help of the screws and clips you have already unfastened. If you are using the same model of the drop-in sink as a replacement, you might need the same number of clips and screws.
The rim should sit firmly and visibly on the counter. Wait for 30 minutes and remove the excess caulk with a clean and dry washcloth.
Step 4: Reconnect the garbage disposal and water lines
Once the sink is in place, you should focus on reconnecting the garbage disposal, and water lines. Again, using the same model and size of the self-rimming sink should make the re-assembly of the drainage pipes, disposal units, and water pipelines straightforward.
After finishing the re-assembly, give some time for the silicone caulk to dry up and then open the faucets one by one to check for leaks and drips. A new sink should not have any water leakage at all. To prevent unwanted cracks and chips on the surface, be extra careful during the mounting process. Switch on the garbage disposal and test it for proper functioning.
Final words of encouragement!
Hiring a professional will indeed reduce the time necessary for replacing a kitchen sink, but replacing a drop-in sink is a task simple enough for the experienced DIY-er. You will need a few tools that you can find lying around in your garage or the nearest Home Depot for a couple of tens. As long as you have an adjustable wrench, Philips head screwdriver, standard screwdriver, plumber’s tape, putty knife, pliers, and silicone caulk, you don’t need anything more than a cool head and the installation manual from the drop-in sink manufacturer. You can also refer to certified sink replacement videos before you get your hands dirty!
